There are many different types of breast cancer but one less common and less talked about is inflammatory breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is significantly more rare than other types and accounts for only about 1%-5% of all breast cancer diagnoses.1 It is caused by cancer cells interfering with the lymphatic vessels, causing an inflamed … Read More
Axillary web syndrome (AWS), also known as “cording”, is a condition that sometimes occurs after mastectomy or lymph node removal either by axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancer diagnosis or treatment. After these procedures, tender cords of tissue can sometimes be felt under the skin. They usually … Read More
When faced with a cancer diagnosis your first thought likely isn’t “how will my sexual health and intimacy be affected?”. Although this thought and consideration may not be a huge factor in your immediate steps through cancer treatment, it will almost certainly become a common focus later in treatment and even once your treatment is … Read More
Chemotherapy is a pharmaceutical treatment designed to kill cancer cells in the body. Over half of women diagnosed with breast cancer will receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment.1 Chemotherapy is usually given every 2 or 3 weeks for multiple cycles. There are many side effects that can occur during and after chemotherapy, including nausea, … Read More
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer, with approximately 50% of breast cancer patients receiving radiation at some point during their treatment.1 It is commonly done 5 days per week for 5-25 treatments total. The side effects and healing from radiation can be split into two phases: the acute phase and the long-term … Read More
We know that physiotherapy is prescribed after knee replacements and hip fracture surgery so why don’t we see prescriptions for more surgeries including plastic surgery? It is not a common thought to prescribe such therapies after a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or even liposuction but according to research, it should be! Any time the body … Read More
Most people diagnosed with breast cancer will have surgery, as it is considered the primary treatment. The type of surgery you may have depends on a variety of factors such as the size and location of the tumour, the stage of cancer, and the size of the breast. Surgery types can include lumpectomies, mastectomies, lymph … Read More
Lipedema is a condition characterized by the abnormal deposition of adipose tissue, typically in the hips, thighs and legs, but stopping before the feet. It can also appear in the upper arms. Lipedema can be very painful, and often leads to capillary fragility, making patients more prone to easy bruising. This condition is also unique … Read More
Cellulitis is something that you have likely heard of if you have or are at risk of lymphedema. Although it is often mentioned briefly to cancer patients, we still see patients missing the hallmark signs of this common yet very serious condition. So, what exactly is cellulitis and how do we spot it? Cellulitis is … Read More
Receiving a cancer diagnosis has more impacts on a person other than just physical changes. The mental burden that such a condition can create is large and not to be overlooked. Psychotherapy is a tool that can help you navigate challenging emotions, build resilience during difficult times, and improve your overall quality of life. Psychotherapy … Read More